The world of the internet has seen tons of different cyberattacks in recent years and the number is only going up. The need to learn how to hack becomes evident with time, which is why you should know what skills to master before getting yourself into the world of ethical hacking.
Networking Skills
Understanding the basics of networking can include the likes of DHCP, NAT Sub-netting, IPv4, IPv6, Public v Private IP, DNS, Routers and switches, VLANs, OSI model, MAC address, and ARP.
Since the skill revolves heavily around exploiting the above-mentioned, the more you understand them, the better you will be at it.
Basic Tech Skills
This shouldn't come as a surprise for anyone who wants to master the skill of becoming an ethical hacker. Generally, such skills include things apart from the ability to create a Word document or to surf the internet.
As a beginner, you should be able to use the command line in Windows, registry editing, and set up network parameters. The majority of these basic skills can be learned with ease via basic computer skills such as A+.
Wireshark/TCPdump
If you are trying to find the most common sniffer/protocol analyzer, look no further as Wireshark is exactly what you seek. On the other hand, tcpdump is a command line sniffer/ protocol analyzer and both of them can come in pretty handy for analyzing all sorts of attacks and TCP/IP traffic.
Linux Skills
Linux skills are non-negotiable if you are on your way to becoming an ethical hacker. Almost every tool used for ethical hacking has been developed from Linux, not to mention that Linux offers us the ability that Windows can never.
There are plenty of great websites that one can access to improve their Linux skills if you are at the start of your illustrious career.
Technology and Concepts of Security
Any great hacker should be able to understand the concept of security and technology. The best way to get past all the security blocks that are established by security admins for safeguarding is by learning everything there is to learn about them.
It is very important for ethical hackers to understand the concept of PKI (public key infrastructure), SSL (secure socket layers), IDS (intrusion detection system), and firewalls of different types among plenty others. Basic security courses can help you to learn all about security so you can become efficient at the craft of hacking in an ethical manner.
Virtualization
Learning the essential concept of virtualization software packages including the likes of VMWare Workstation or VirtualBox and becoming proficient in the same can take your ethical hacking career places.
Usually, one needs to have a safe environment to conduct the hacks before they can try their hand in the real world. This is where a virtual environment can be of help since it comes as a safe environment for testing and refining hacks before going live with the same practices.
Script
There is no use of ethical hacking without scripting skills since, without scripting, hackers will resort to hacking tools, which can affect the effectiveness significantly. A new tool every day simply implies losing effectiveness mostly because of the defenses that are put up by security admins.
In case you are looking to develop ingenious skills of your own, it becomes mandatory for you to master at least one of the scripting languages that include the BASH shell. The addition of Perl, Python, or Ruby is a must.
Wi-Tech (Wireless Technologies)
If you want to be able to start hacking wireless, it is better to understand how all of it works before moving forward with the idea. Try to learn more about things such as the encryption algorithms which include WEP, WPA, WPA2, the four-way handshake, and WPS to name a few.
On top of all this, getting knowledge about the protocol for connection and authentication along with the legal constraints for wireless technologies is also key. Get started with wireless technologies, you can try to search for different guides on the internet on how to get started with wireless terms and technologies. Learn about the different kinds of encryption algorithms along with examples of how every hack works.
Once you reach the intermediate skills. This is where things start to become more interesting, and also where you can really start to believe in your capabilities as an ethical hacker. Soon, there comes a time when you will reach the advanced level and will start calling the shots, instead of someone else on your team.
Web Applications
Web applications are basically the favorite playground for every hacker. The more you learn about how web applications work and the databases behind them, the sooner you will be able to achieve success with the same. If you move forward from this, growth will always follow.
DB Skills
Hacking databases or trying to hack them calls for a great understanding of what databases actually are and how they function. The SQL language comes under this section. Mastering any one of the major database languages can easily help you to achieve the same.
Problem Solving Ability
Hackers generally come up against problems that seem impossible to solve. This calls for an analytical approach and quick thinking from the ethical hacker. This type of ability comes only with a lot of practice and intent with time.
Cryptography
There is no rule that says that you have to be a great cryptographer to be an equally good hacker, the more you understand the weakness and strengths of cryptography, the better job you can do of defeating it, not to mention that cryptography can also be used by hackers to hide and avoid detection.
Conclusion
Hacking is not child's play and it can take years for you to master the craft of hacking to make a living out of the same. With the correct knowledge and continuous honing of your skills, becoming an ethical hacker might be a real possibility in this tech-controlled world.
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